The high-end disk array IBM System Storage DS8000 Turbo line features what IBM calls an industry first 4Gbps (gigabits per second) FICON throughput - the amount of data that can be moved from storage to a computer - double the 2Gbps available now. The Turbo also runs on IBM’s Power 5 microprocessors that it says deliver 15 percent better performance than the previous DS8000 model.

Such products may be one reason IBM is gaining on market leader EMC. EMC has lost market share in its mainstay storage systems business, even as it focuses its attention on expanding into other areas, such as with its $2.1bn acquisition of network security company RSA Security in June.